Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus ST Ford Focus ST
K. M. Compete in appearance on an equal footing with the three-door "Astra GTC" is not given to many. Confirmation is the prestigious Red Dot design award. In the OPC version, the efforts of the Opel artists are elevated to absolute. The developed front bumper and a spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof are striking. It would seem that they have changed a little, but the result is impressive.
M. G. Ford Focus ST is also not a gray sheep! Under the branded oval of the radiator grille like fangs. On the sides there are foglights, which for some reason are not in Astra. The rear spoiler is no less, and at the bottom are twin exhaust pipes. Evolutionary change is perhaps better than revolution.
Opel Astra OPC
Opel Astra OPC Opel Astra OPC
K. M. The car from Rüsselsheim has another trump card: the most powerful engine in the segment. The two-liter “four”, familiar from the “Insignia”, angered up to 280 hp The turbine is already connected at 1400 rpm. True, the Opel "horses" are pulling somehow sluggishly. You expect a catch from a hot hatchback, but they didn’t put it in the package. But part of the “herd” does not shy away from the boring work of pulling from the bottom. They were well accustomed to torn riding through city crossroads - I like it.
M. G. At the "Focus" two-liter "Ecobust" produces 250 hp Yes, and in time inferior to "Opel". But the curb weight of the car is 188 kg less. 3 horsepower wins per tonne of ST. The rest of the habits are similar. You will not feel a thrust in the back from acceleration. Everything is cheerful, but smoothly and without rigidity. This is a trend of recent years. Hot hatchbacks buy more for fun, not racing records.
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K. M. I agree, but the evil-craving Astra OPC has an excuse. A sharp press on the accelerator responds with a whistle of the turbine, which after 3000 rpm goes into the roar of the exhaust system. Yes, and starting the engine in a closed parking lot is pleasing to the ear while the engine is operating at high revs.
M. G. “ST Focus” is also good at this. From the exhaust with a dual exhaust pipe, they specifically sought sound that caressed the driver’s hearing. Strengthen the effect helps sound symposer, transmitting the voice of the motor to the interior. It turns on at about 3000 rpm. And then the feeling that you are driving on a race track does not leave.
Only light touches distinguish the ST from the civilian hatchback. Additional devices on the front panel, a more graceful steering wheel, bright inserts on the seats
Only light touches distinguish the ST from the civilian hatchback. Additional devices on the front panel, a more graceful steering wheel, bright inserts on the seats. Only light touches distinguish the ST from the civilian hatchback. Additional devices on the front panel, a more graceful steering wheel, bright inserts on the seats.
K. M. In "Astra", alas, not all mechanics correspond to the spirit of OPC. The gearbox impressed right through the civilian unit. The clarity of the inclusions and the length of the lever strokes favor imposing switching. In the city limits - no complaints, but she obviously does not like the active transitions. Although a certain harmony with not the most frisky “horses” of the engine is. But was it worth making the combination so soft?
M. G. A “Ford” gearbox is suitable. Although, of course, she is also civilian. Short strokes, clear switching, both in urban traffic and on the motorway. You can quite cheerfully accelerate even in an environmentally friendly sixth gear. That would be a regular hatchback!
On the track, OPC mode best affects steering. In high-speed arcs there is no need to steer, feeling for the trajectory
On the track, OPC mode best affects steering. In high-speed arcs there is no need to steer, feeling for the trajectory. On the track, OPC mode best affects steering. In high-speed arcs there is no need to steer, feeling for the trajectory.
K. M. Okay, okay, in the next installment, Ford has nothing to oppose. Here, "Opel" immediately several trump cards. Firstly, the HiPerStrut front suspension with separate steering knuckles. Secondly, there are three degrees of shock absorber stiffness (as well as steering sensitivity and accelerator pedal). You're right, the FlexRide mechatronic chassis is not new, but for the most powerful versions it has its own characteristics. The toughest Sport mode for ordinary Opels is just an intermediate stage. Above it is dominated by a key with the letters OPC: sharp reactions and minimal rolls. By the way, a separate system is actively struggling with the latter. Thanks to her, the car sometimes resembles a racing card. As the engineers from Rüsselsheim explained, having felt the edge of the clutch in a bend, the electronics dissolve the shock absorbers. As a result, part of the centrifugal force is spent on tilting the body away from the center of the turn, and not on demolishing the entire car, and Astra OPC receives a small margin of stability. The result, believe me, is impressive. We appreciated this during the races at the training ground. I almost forgot: here at the rear suspension with a Watt mechanism, the stiffness is increased.
The appearance of the “Focus ST” was decorated with slightly modified bumpers and a large fifth door spoiler. Well, the color - you see for yourself. Just super
The appearance of the “Focus ST” was decorated with slightly modified bumpers and a large fifth door spoiler. Well, the color - you see for yourself. Just super! The appearance of the “Focus ST” was decorated with slightly modified bumpers and a large fifth door spoiler. Well, the color - you see for yourself. Just super!
The exchange rate stabilization system is also a surprise. After a short press on a key, it only weakens vigilance. But it will work without delay, as soon as the easy stage of hooliganism is replaced by extreme sports. And hold the button a little longer than five seconds - and that’s it, you are alone with the machine. Here, no one is an assistant, except for his own head.
M. G. Ford also has three thresholds for dynamic stabilization. By default, the system operates in Normal mode. And when driving on ordinary roads, you don’t have to worry: she reacts rather sensitively to emergency situations. Checked on the Napoleon road, mountain serpentine there what you need! Hold the button longer - activated Sport mode. Here, electronic "beats" will be pulled only, say, in a deep glide. Great opportunity for beginners. If you make a mistake on the track, electronics is always on the alert. Well, the Off position speaks for itself. The stabilization system in this case remains only in the area of the brain. There may be fewer changes in the suspension. But let's wait for the duel of our couple on the Smolensk Ring. I don’t think ST will give in there. The car’s ground clearance is 10 mm less than that of the usual Focus, different shock absorber settings, and stiffer springs. In the rear suspension, taken from the "Focus RS" - specially designed for ST anti-roll bar. And the traction control system in corners recognizes understeer and brakes the inner wheel, and also minimizes yaw.
Compared with the 180-horsepower Astra GTC, the designers increased the stiffness of the suspension springs by 30%, simultaneously reducing ground clearance by 10 mm. The front anti-roll bar added 5% to the thickness
Compared with the 180-horsepower Astra GTC, the designers increased the stiffness of the suspension springs by 30%, simultaneously reducing ground clearance by 10 mm. The front anti-roll bar added 5% to the thickness. Compared with the 180-horsepower Astra GTC, the designers increased the stiffness of the suspension springs by 30%, simultaneously reducing ground clearance by 10 mm. The front anti-roll bar added 5% to the thickness.
K. M. Tired of reflecting the attacks of OPC Astra's benefits? Optional front seats are a work of art. Is it a joke, adjusting in 18 directions! This in a golf class, perhaps, no one has offered. To admit, while I groped for different keys and levers for their settings, I also looked with my eyes for the inclusion of massage or, at worst, ventilation. Heating alone is not of such a status.
M. G. The Ford ST has Recaro heated seats. Adjustments (can be either manual or electric) allow you to sit comfortably, although there are not so many of them as in Opel. But there is a headrest adjustment - a rarity in the golf class. The car is already offered in three trim levels. In addition, you can even order a winter package. Who else offers such options for hot hatchbacks?
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Focus ST is also offered with a station wagon. With the same wheelbase and width as the hatchback, the length of the family modification is 204 mm longer and 21 mm higher. Trunk volume 476 liters, with folded backs 1, 587 liters. In order not to select loading liters, the shock absorbers were placed a little wider than the hatchback. Changed and their tilt. Prices from RUB 1, 295, 000 quite acceptable, in addition, competitors in the golf class have no charged station wagons. Similar cars are present only in more expensive segments. For example, an Opel Insignia Sports Tourer OPC with a 325-horsepower engine costs from 1, 746, 000 rubles, while an Audi S4 Avant with a 333 hp engine sell for 2 585 600 rubles. The only question is the popularity of this type of body in the Russian market.
